Monday Morning Boost: Standing For The Flag of Freedom
The Fourth of July, Independence Day, holds a special place in my heart. It’s a day when we celebrate the birth of our nation, the ideals it stands for, and the countless sacrifices made to uphold those principles. For me, this day is more than just a holiday; it’s a reminder of the deep-rooted meaning behind that cherished symbol we call the Flag.
When I see the Stars and Stripes waving in the breeze, it evokes a powerful sense of pride and purpose. It represents the unity of a nation that was forged through struggle and resilience. I remember the time I served, the camaraderie among my fellow servicemen and women, and the unwavering determination to defend the values that the Flag embodies.
The Flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a living emblem of our freedom and the sacrifices that have been made to protect it. As I stand for the Flag this Fourth of July, I can’t help but reflect on the immense pride I feel for my own service and the service of our three sons, who have chosen to follow in my footsteps.
One of our sons, Cody, is currently deployed, serving on foreign soil, thousands of miles away from home. Every day, I think of him, and pray for protection for him and those who are serving to protect the abundant liberties we often take for granted. I think of the families left behind, the mothers and fathers, the spouses, and the children, who bear their own sacrifices in the name of our nation.
And as we celebrate our independence, I also pay tribute to those who offered up the ultimate price on the altars of freedom. I think specifically of my friends Michael Allred, Brent Taylor, and Ron Wood, each killed in combat, along with Clyde Kramme and Sheldon Loveless who were each killed by the mental wars. They are the fallen heroes, the brave souls who laid down their lives to ensure that the Flag continues to wave in freedom. Their names and stories may fade from the headlines, but their legacy remains etched in the hearts of those who love this country.
Standing for the Flag on Independence Day is a way of saying “thank you” to all those who have served and continue to serve. It’s a solemn recognition of the heavy burden carried by our military members and their families. It’s an acknowledgment of the scars, both visible and invisible, that many carry as a result of their service.
It’s also a reminder of the responsibility we all share in preserving the unity and freedom that the Flag represents. Our nation faces challenges, both internal and external, but we must remember that we are all bound together as one, just like those stars and stripes symbolize. We may have different backgrounds and perspectives, but when we stand together for the Flag, we show the world that we are a united people, dedicated to the principles of liberty and justice for all.
As I stand for the Flag this Fourth of July, I stand not just for myself but for all the veterans who have served before me and for those who will follow. I stand for the families who support their loved ones in uniform. I stand for the fallen, whose sacrifice will never be forgotten. And most of all, I stand for the enduring spirit of America, a spirit that has prevailed through the darkest of times and continues to shine brightly as a beacon of hope and freedom.
So, as the fireworks light up the sky, I will stand tall and proud, my hand over my heart, honoring the symbol that unites us as a nation. For me, standing for the Flag is an honor, a privilege, and a duty–a duty to protect and preserve the very essence of what it means to be an American. May Old Glory forever wave, a symbol of the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Thanks for letting me share.
Have a beautiful Monday! I love you, friends!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to Stand for the Flag and all she represents.
